In theory, it is possible to distinguish whether aluminum windings are used in transformers of the same manufacturer through measurement and data statistics. However, in practice, due to differences in manufacturing methods, designs, processes, and materials among different manufacturers, as well as various situations such as using aluminum instead of copper for high-voltage windings, aluminum instead of copper for low-voltage windings, and copper clad aluminum, there is no corresponding data as a reference, making judgment difficult.
As a transformer user, post inspection is passive. In the event of a transformer replacing copper with aluminum, the disposal cost is high. The best method is to conduct inspection and necessary consultation before procurement to avoid purchasing transformers that replace copper with aluminum.
Industry experts believe that under what price conditions may manufacturers replace copper with aluminum, which manufacturers may replace copper with aluminum, and which companies have guaranteed transformer quality can provide advice to users. In addition, as a major professional transformer procurement customer, power grid companies have many mature experiences in transformer quality management, which can serve as a good reference for transformer users in other industries.
The research also found that many users' transformer procurement contracts are very simple, and in the event of a transformer replacing copper with aluminum event, there is no claim basis and calculation method for compensation losses in the contract, which leads to difficulty in claiming compensation and heavy losses for users.
Industry insiders suggest adding corresponding compensation clauses in the transformer procurement contract, which should increase the compensation liability and amount, including: direct losses, indirect losses, loss of profits, lawyer's fees, transportation costs, testing fees, court litigation and enforcement fees, daily losses caused by shutdown, replacement costs, labor costs caused by claims, etc. If the above losses are not easy to estimate, It can be stipulated in the contract based on the amount of experience plus increased compensation liability. It should be stipulated that if a transformer is found to be replaced with aluminum for copper throughout its entire lifecycle, relevant suppliers, intermediaries, contractors, and manufacturing enterprises shall bear unlimited joint and several liability for compensation in terms of aluminum for copper. In addition, if an event occurs where aluminum is used instead of copper, the contract can stipulate that the legal representative of the transformer manufacturing enterprise shall bear lifelong joint and unlimited liability for compensation.
